The first part of this two-part series dealt with four behavioral disorders, termed ‘addictions’. We discovered that many of these activates, sex and gambling, activate the same receptors and regions in the brain as drugs and alcohol. This second part discusses four more common behavioral addictions and their impact on the lives of society.

Video Game Addiction

Much like internet addiction, this addiction is a relatively new trend brought about by the popularity of video games. Video game addiction seems to affect mostly males, usually between age 13-29. This addiction is characterized by a compulsive need to play video games and can consume up to 8-12 hours each day. These ‘out-of-control’ gamers tend to start ignoring their responsibilities and duties in order to continue playing the game. Certain games even have higher rates of addiction among them. Gamers most prone to video game addiction play games like League of Legends or World of Warcraft, both multiple-player RPG type games; ‘Role Playing Game’. These games have huge followings and are intensely competitive, requiring enormous amounts of time to be an expert. Gamers often begin to lose their sense of reality and the fantasy video game begins to become their reality. Video games offer a person a way to escape the realities of life and immerse themselves in a digital world where they can be whoever they want; a superhero, a wizard, or a king. Treatment for video game addiction requires separation from video games, along with counseling or behavioral modification.

Plastic Surgery Addiction

Although not as common as some of the other addictions, plastic surgery addiction is certainly a dangerous reality for some. So what exactly is plastic surgery addiction? It can be defined as an obsession with changing their appearance through surgery, resulting in dozens and even close to a hundred separate surgeries. They become obsessed with changing their appearance to match an ideal image in their head of what they should look like. Although friends and family tell them they are beautiful or flawless, the addict is not satisfied with their own body. This addiction often goes along with other mental disorders, such as body dysmorphic disorder and chronic low self-image. People who become addicted to plastic surgery will pursue surgeries even when they can’t afford it and it begins to negatively affect their health and appearance. A very interesting case study can be found here.

Food Addiction

It is widely debated whether food obsessions are true addictions or it is closer to a disorder. Recently it has been shown that binge eating disorder that affects around 3 percent of the adults in America. Often the eating process about which a person binge eats is similar to a drug addiction. First a craving occurs, in this case hunger. Then an emotional trigger happens, such as sadness, anxiety, or guilt. The ‘food addict’ then eats, often to ease emotions and find a sense of relief. Food, like sex and drugs, also releases dopamine. This occurs because eating is necessary for survival, so it creates pleasure in the brain in order to motivate us to eat and replenish ourselves. While the issue of whether overeating is a true addiction still remains, millions of Americans struggle with it. There is even a 12 step group, OA, or Overeaters Anonymous.

Risk/Adrenaline Addiction

Does thrills or risk really get you excited? Thrill seekers share many of the same symptoms as drug addicts; they get a rush from skydiving or rock climbing, but after a while, they seek out even more dangerous adventures to feel that same level of excitement. And studies show that these “thrills” release the same flood of brain chemicals released by addictive drugs.

In our society the word ‘addiction’ is strongly associated with drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. When people think of addiction they picture illegal substances and narcotics. In the last couple decades’ addiction has really gained national attention, with SAMHSA estimating over 25 million American have a significant problem with drugs or alcohol. However, are not the only things can people can become addicted to. Recent psychological research has created a new class of addiction termed ‘Behavioral Addictions’. These habits produce a psychological ‘high’ that can become so strong that the addict loses control and seeks the activity despite the dangers and consequences. People with drug or alcohol addiction or recovery from substance abuse problems are at a much higher risk to developing a behavioral addiction than an average American. That’s because these activities can produce dopamine, the so-called ‘feel good’ chemical, which is the same neurological transmitter involved in drug addiction.

Gambling Addiction

People addicted to gambling may most closely resemble people addicted to drugs and alcohol, because they impact the brain in similar ways. The risk and reward of gambling produces euphoria in the gambler. The thrill of winning, pulling a bluff, and getting lucky can create an intensely pleasurable experience. Gambling can become a behavioral addiction when the person starts to impulsively gamble despite recent losses, lack of money, or disregard for responsibilities to family or work. Gambling addicts can become so obsessed with gambling that they will steal and even rob to get money to continue their habit. When they win a big sum of money it does not satisfy them and they continue gambling, often eventually losing all their winnings. This addiction is so common that there are even 12 step groups for it and the APA includes it in their classification system.

Sex Addiction

Like gambling addiction, sex addiction is one of the more acknowledged behavioral addiction, with its own 12 step groups. What causes people to become addicted to sex? Dopamine; the same brain messenger chemical involved in drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction. Many sex addicts also have some form of other mental issues, such as body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, and hyper-sexuality. When a person becomes addicted to sex they begin to seek intercourse with different people, often complete strangers. Severe cases of sex addiction involve having sex with 4 or more people in a single night, sometimes without even exchanging names. A sex addict will begin to put their health, career, and relationships in jeopardy to achieve the ‘high’ that they get from having sex. Risk, such as sexual infections or unwanted pregnancy, is not enough to stop their habit.

Internet Addiction

The advent of computers and the internet have resulted in increased communication, sharing of knowledge, and technological advancements. In 2016, it is obvious we live in a digitally wired world. Internet addiction occurs when a person becomes too attached to their computer and specifically the internet. This addiction is a little more controversial than the previous two cases. Many psychologists anddoctors aren’t convinced that internet addiction is a true disorder. However, some research has shown that an addiction to the Internet involves loss of control, as well as negative consequences at work and at home comparable to more standard addictions. One study even found that compulsive use of the internet may occupy up to 11 hours out of an “Internet addict’s” day and it is estimated between 6 to 11 percent of internet users may be affected by compulsive internet use.

In the days of my drinking and drugging, resentments were my trusty tool, my reliable excuse. Resentments were my fuel for going on a spree or a bender. In a state of self-pity, it was easy to justify my need for numbing my pains and sorrows. When I got sober my resentments did not automatically vanish, instead it required some dedicated and thorough work to remove them. In 12 step groups it is said that “resentments are our number one offender”, which means that resentments are one of the most common things that keep us miserable and cause us to relapse. It has been said that a resentment is like “drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Whether you are in a 12 step group or not, resentments are something that need to be addressed to maintain sobriety and serenity.

What exactly is a resentment?

Simply, a resentment is a feeling of angry displeasure at a real or imagined wrong, insult, or injury. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.” Resentments are most commonly against other people who we believe have screwed us over or hurt us. These commonly include family, ex’s, bosses, co-workers, policemen, etc. When drinking, I often took everything that other people did personally. Some of us hold on to resentments that stem back to our childhood or ex-marriage. Other resentments include bitterness towards institutions and principles, such as religion, government, or the IRS. Some of these resentments are more justified that others, for instance if you’ve been cheated on or unjustly fired from a job. Whether the resentment is real or imagined does not matter, both types of resentments are equally deadly.

Identifying and Removing Resentments

The first step in cleansing ourselves of resentments is to identify our resentments. For some people, their list of resentments is a page long and for others it can be up to a dozen pages. The generally rule of thumb is that if something is still causing you to be bitter or angry then it is important to come to terms with. We do not have to write down every person who cut us off in traffic or the bully from first grade, unless it is causing us to still be bitter and ill-contented. Once we have identified our resentments there are a few ways to remove them from our lives. It is suggested that we look for our parts in the matter of the resentment. In matters such as divorce, it is fairly easy to find our part in the issue. Maybe we were insensitive, selfish, dishonest, hurtful, or unfaithful. It is important to put aside what has been done to you and instead focus on what you could have done differently. Once our roles in all our resentments have been identified, we then pray or ask our higher power to remove these resentments. We ask forgiveness and blessings for the people in our life and slowly our resentments diminish.

The principles behind working through our resentments and putting them behind us is about breaking the pattern of self-pity and to stop playing the victim. We learn to take responsibility for how our life has turned out and stop blaming people and things around us for our misery or misfortune. When we take ownership of our lives and our happiness we experience a sense of empowerment and freedom. Those old resentments no longer have a control over us and won’t weight us down with pity. We are freed from the shackles of the past and can focus on what is in our near horizon.

In my experience, one of the most challenging activities for people new in recovery is meditation. The only thing that gives newcomers to sobriety more difficulty is spirituality and finding a higher power. Many of us view meditation as a mystical practice, reserved for monks and clergymen. The truth is that our misconceptions about meditation are often the obstacles that prevent us from incorporating it into our lives. Learn the truth about meditation, and you will discover it is not as unachievable as you may think.

What is Meditation?

When many of us think of meditation we picture a person sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, unmoving. I define meditation as simply purposely paying attention to the present moment and involving intentional awareness of thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they occur. In a sense, meditation is a form of non-judgmental observation. The three primary elements of mediation, according to Buddhists teachings, are awareness, attention, and remembering.

How Do I Meditate?

There are no ‘rules’ or instructions on how to meditate. In other words, there really is no right or wrong way to try meditation. I will offer up some ways that I personally have found are helpful ways of meditating and others experience with meditation. In the mornings I set aside time, either still in bed or before my morning coffee, for mediation. To begin I close my eyes, not required, and start focusing on my breathing. I take deep breaths in through my nose and slow exhales out through my mouth. Mindful breathing is a technique used in yoga and psychology to relax the body and mind. I then open my mind to incoming thoughts or feelings. When a thought or emotion arises I simply try and trace its cause. Why am I feeling impatient? What am I looking forward to today? The important concept is to identify these thoughts and emotions, reflect on them, and let them pass. Meditation teaches us to become tolerant of all our emotions and thoughts, thus taking away their influence on our lives. There is another form of mediation I incorporate into my recovery. I read a page or passage of recovery literature or a spiritual text and spend some quiet time really processing and reflecting on what I have just read. Reading spiritual or meditative guides can be a form of meditation in itself. In these practices we are quieting the mind and really examine ourselves. People have reported that physical activities such as walking, running, biking, or yoga can be a form of meditation. Sometimes doing exercise can help calm our mind and inspire thought. Whatever way works for you, just remember that meditation does not have to be this formal practice, it is just about taking time out of the day to quiet the mind and examine our thoughts and emotions.

The Benefits of Meditation

Meditation increases a person’s ability to manage stress

Mediation can treat and even prevent depression, freeing the person of their negative thoughts

A relatively new trend in combating depression, anxiety, ADD, and even substance abuse is music therapy. We know that music is a powerful thing and can bring a smile to your face or a tear to your eye. So how effective is music in healing substance abuse and mental disorders? Can music provide therapeutic advantages previously undiscovered? The following sheds light on some of the new found effects of music, which can help explain the effectiveness behind music therapy.

Breathing and Heart Rate

Listening to calming and familiar music can have serious effects on our autonomic nervous system. This system is in control of functions such as breathing, heart-rate, and stress levels. Music can slow our breathing leading to activation of the relaxation response. This explains partially why music therapy can counteract the negative effects of chronic stress, improving relaxation and health.

Brain Waves

New research has shown that music has a powerful effect on the simulation and sync of our brainwaves. The ‘beat’ or rhythm in music can actually cause our brainwaves to change. According to this theory, a fast or upbeat tempo will inspire focus and energy while peaceful tempos will promote a calming state.

Change Our State of Mind

Another benefit of music therapy is the ability to bring about a more positive state of mind, which can prevent depression and anxiety. Have you ever been frustrated or sad and then your favorite song comes on the radio? Songs that are positive or special to us can cause a drastic shift in mood. This benefit also can inspire creativity and promote more optimistic thoughts.

The Rise of Music Therapy

After reviewing all the wonderful benefits that music therapy can provide, it’s no mystery why music therapy is growing in popularity. Many hospitals and mental health services are beginning to incorporate music therapy into their programs. Music therapy can be practiced alone but is most beneficial under the direction of a therapist who can help with any difficult emotions that can arise. Here at NewBridge we do have music therapy available to our patients. Remember that while positive songs can promote optimism, violent songs or songs containing threatening lyrics can have a negative effect on our psyche and outlook.